May - Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society

Volume 44 Number 5
May 2012
Coming
Activities
May
May 6 – Field Trip
May 12 – Field Trip
May 13 – Field Trip
May 15 – DOAS Board Meeting
May 17 – Field Trip
May 18 – DOAS Program
May 19 – May Big Day Bird Count
May 20 – Field Trip
Joe Pye Weed
In late summer, I love to take a cup of
coffee out to my patio bench where I
watch the show going on before me.
Monarchs, swallow-tails, mourning cloaks
and many smaller butterflies, as well as
bees by the dozen, visit the flowers of
Joe Pye Weed. Thought of as a weed by
some, many of us know it as a native
wildflower we enjoy seeing at the edges
of woods and along roadsides where
drainage provides the light moisture the
plant likes. Joe Pye should be included in
any native wildflower garden and in your
butterfly/pollinator garden. It is a good
nectar source for Monarchs, which are
reported in decline in the northeast, and
an important source of honey.
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium) is in the
Composite family. It is related to boneset
and snakeroot that have a white flower.
Joe Pye Weed is a tall plant, three to five
feet tall, that has pale, pinkish purple
flowers in a fuzzy, massive, somewhat
dome-shaped cluster. A few flowers open
at a time, with their stamens extending
far beyond the petals, giving the flower
head that fuzzy appearance and extending
the bloom period over many weeks. The
leaves grow in whorls, with each whorl
rotated slightly from the whorl below
allowing sunlight to reach down to the
lowest leaves. It is said the flower got its
name from an Indian herbalist who lived
in Massachusetts and used the plant as a
cure for fevers.
Barbara Marsala
May 23 – Field Trip
May 26 – Field Trip
June
June 10 – Field Trip
More information on page 7
All DOAS programs
are free and open
to the public
Joe Pye Weed with Monarch Butterfly, by Barbara Marsala
♼ Printed on recycled paper ♼
May 2012
The Belted Kingfisher
President’s Message
Speak Up
We were taught that changes in nature happened slowly. Think about what we
learned about evolution taking place over hundreds/thousands/millions of
years. However, I suspect we have all seen examples of changes occurring very
quickly. Forests are clear-cut for farmland or residential developments. Industrial
development changes the geography, the habitat, of an area overnight.
As people concerned about the environmental health of our land and our
communities, we must be vigilant. And we should feel confident that we can speak
out for or against what we see happening. Each month, in this newsletter, The Belted
Kingfisher, Andy Mason writes the Conservation and Legislation column. Here you
will find up-to-date information about matters that concern our home environment.
Here, also, you will find ideas about “What you can do.” You can write a letter, send
an email or make a phone call. You can add your voice to others by signing on to a
letter or a petition. These steps may seem small but they do matter.
Barbara Marsala
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world;
Volume 44 Number 5
The Delaware - Otsego
Audubon Society
Founded 1968
Newsletter Editor:
Helen McLean
Board of Directors
Co-Presidents
Treasurer
Secretary
Barbara Marsala,
Andrew Mason,
Joe Richardson
Bob Donnelly
Eileen Kline
Julia Gregory
Eric Knight
Bob Miller
Eleanor Moriarty
Susan O’Handley
Stephen Rice
Tom Salo
Julie Smith
Committee Chairs* and
Other Assignments
indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Conservation*:
Education*:
Field Trips*:
Hawk Watch*:
Hospitality*:
Membership*:
Programs*:
Publicity*:
Sanctuary*:
Bird Counts:
Charter Dinner:
Finance:
Historian:
Sales:
Andy Mason
Barbara Marsala
Bob Donnelly
Andrew Mason
Tom Salo
vacant
Andy Mason
Eleanor Moriarty
Eleanor Moriarty
Andrew Mason
Bob Miller
Julia Gregory
Gray Mason
Julie Smith
Stephen Rice
Address Correspondence to:
Delaware Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
Email: info@doas.us
On the web:
www.doas.us
www.facebook.com/
DelawareOtsegoAudubonSociety
White-throated
Sparrow
by Dave Kiehm
2
To contribute notes or articles for
The Belted Kingfisher, email:
editor@doas.us
Volume 44 Number 5
The Belted Kingfisher
May 2012
Conservation and Legislation
Congress continues environmental assault—Just as fracking
with propane seems too far-fetched a scheme to even consider
possible, so the US House of Representatives continues to put
forth shocking proposals to threaten our natural resources. Most
recent is HR 4089, legislation that lumps together several antiwildlife efforts. This bill would:
Fracking with propane?—hard to believe!—As if the practice
of injecting large quantities of chemical-laced water underground
to fracture rock formations for natural gas production was
not dangerous enough, gas drillers are now proposing to use
liquid propane—a highly explosive material—for this purpose.
A Canadian gas company has signed up landowners in Tioga
County to use this technique, with the intention of bypassing
New York State’s environmental reviews.
• allow hunters to bring polar bear “trophies” into the
country if taken prior to the species’ Endangered Species
Act listing. The US Fish &Wildlife Service and a Federal
court have rejected similar attempts to import such
trophies. Congress should not be giving special treatment
to a small group of wealthy trophy hunters.
This relatively new process is fraught with dangers. The chemical
threats and geologic alterations below our feet would remain,
with the added risk of large quantities of propane passing
through communities, being stored nearby and being forced
thousands of feet from the well under high pressure. Last year,
two explosions and fires at propane-fracked sites injured 15
people, and its use is still relatively small-scale.
• open virtually all federal lands to sport hunting—even
National Parks. There are millions of acres of federal lands
already open to recreational hunters. If HR 4089 passes,
federal agencies would be required to disregard existing
land use and wildlife management policies and open
these lands to hunting. Further, it would prevent National
Environmental Policy Act review of these decisions.
Our region has already experienced two propane explosions—
one fatal. There have been leaks and evacuations at other sites.
Clearly this is a material that needs to be handled with extreme
care, not pumped into underground wells across the landscape.
• allow recreational off-road vehicles to invade federally
designated wilderness areas--something that has never
been allowed before. It would also open the door to new
logging, mining and extraction of fossil fuels in these
special places.
It is unclear whether fracking with propane is permitted in New
York State. The company appears to think they can avoid the de
facto moratorium on fracking this way. However, others believe
that an environmental review separate from the state’s ongoing
development of hydrofracking regulations would be necessary
before any such activity could take place. Common sense says
that the latter is true, and that thorough consideration of the
added dangers of propane fracking is needed to protect public
health and safety.
• prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from
addressing toxic poisoning caused by lead ammunition.
As many as 20 million birds and other animals-including Bald and Golden Eagles--die each year from
lead poisoning. Lead-free ammunitions are readily and
economically available.
In the larger view, the very fact that gas drillers would even
consider this technique shows how little concern they have for
the environment and the well-being of those affected by their
operations. They are not to be trusted with any fracking method.
What you can do—Congressional action on HR 4089 will likely
have taken place when you read this. However, you should check
to see how your Representative voted (www.clerk.house.gov),
and let them know your sentiments. Hopefully, if passed in the
House, the bill can be stopped in the US Senate. Contact Senators
Schumer and Gillibrand and ask them to oppose these provisions
if the legislation gets that far.
What you can do—Express your outrage to Governor Andrew
Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Joe Martens, as well as your state
legislators. Point out how this attempt by gas drillers underscores
their lust to exploit New York for profits at the expense of our
land, air, water and people. Our leaders need to stand strong on
the fracking issue.
Andy Mason
Check our website for contact information for your state and local representatives:
Go to www.doas.us and click on the “Conservation and Legislation” link.
3
May 2012
The Belted Kingfisher
Volume 44 Number 5
Above: Becky Gretton counts migrating raptors at Davis State Park this spring with park employee Joe Ritton. Mr. Ritton built the windbreak
to protect the hawk counters at this very windy location. Photo by Diane Graf.
Red-shouldered Hawk at the Everglades National Park
by Randy Lynch
4
Volume 44 Number 5
The Belted Kingfisher
May 2012
Get Involved with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
Volunteer to help wherever needed – our Finance,
Conservation, Hospitality and Membership
Committees could use help
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Provide rides to programs
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Provide refreshments at programs
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Help maintain trails at the sanctuary
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Plant Black Maple seeds from the trees in our
Burlington wetland
Tom Salo
salothomas@gmail.com
(607) 965-8232
Survey plants in our Burlington wetland
Joe Richardson
arichardson@stny.rr.com
(607) 263-5645
Help control some invasive plants at the sanctuary
Tom Salo
salothomas@gmail.com
(607) 965-8232
Write an article for The Belted Kingfisher
Helen McLean
editor@doas.us
(607) 829-5596
Lead a field trip
Bob Donnelly
rsdonn@yahoo.com
(607) 264-8156
Present a program for DOAS
Eleanor Moriarty
eleanormrrt955@gmail.com
(607) 435-2054
Volunteer to present information on a subject of
your choice – we often get requests from schools
and nursing homes
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Count birds during the regional May Big Day Bird
Count
Bob Miller
millerj3@hartwick.edu
(607) 432-5767
Count birds during the Oneonta Christmas Bird
Count
Bob Miller
millerj3@hartwick.edu
(607) 432-5767
Count birds during the Fort Plain Christmas Bird
Count
Bob Donnelly
rsdonn@yahoo.com
(607) 264-8156
Tom Salo
salothomas@gmail.com
(607) 965-8232
Count waterfowl during the statewide waterfowl
count in January
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Participate in raptor counts at the Franklin Mountain
Hawk Watch
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Tom Salo
salothomas@gmail.com
(607) 965-8232
Help us lobby decision makers
Andy Mason
AndyMason@earthling.net
(607) 652-2162
Get involved in Citizen Science Projects like The
Great Back Yard Bird Count and Birds in Forested
Landscapes
Cornell Lab of
Ornithology
www.birds.cornell.edu
Wood Ducks, by Dave Kiehm
5
May 2012
The Belted Kingfisher
Volume 44 Number 5
May Program
Nature and Songbirds of the Adirondacks
On Friday, May 18th, Warren Greene will present his incredible photographs
once again for the DOAS monthly meeting. Recently retired as Director of
New York State Probation Department, Warren spends his time working part
time for The Family Counseling Center in Gloversville, NY. The rest of his
time he devotes to his childhood passion: photography.
Warren’s photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars
and books, including a book he co-authored, Birds of the Adirondacks.
Although he is best known for his bird photography, he also does fine scenic
and macro photography. Warren defines himself as a bit of a dinosaur since
he still shoots with slide film with his Leica SLR camera. Warren’s work will be
on exhibit at Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta starting on or about May 5th.
Program starts at 7:30 PM, free and open to the public and refreshments are
served. For further information; Eleanor Moriarty at 607-435-2054.
At right: Dragonfly Eyes
You can see more of Warren Greene’s photos at the Cape May Bird
Observatory website:
http://www.birdcapemay.org/gallery/main.php/Archive/
Warren+Greene/
Reminder—Bluebird Houses Available
Help New York’s official state bird—the Eastern Bluebird!
Bluebird house plans and ready-built bluebird houses are
available from DOAS. Plans are free and houses are $13.00 each.
Plans and houses can be obtained at DOAS functions or by
mail. All proceeds benefit DOAS conservation and education
programs. Contact Andy Mason, 1039 Peck St., Jefferson, NY
12093, (607) 652-2162, AndyMason@earthling.net.
Canada Warbler, by Dave Kiehm
May Big Day Bird Count
Saturday, May 19, is this year’s Big Day for DOAS, the day on
which small groups enjoy trying to locate the maximum number
of bird species they can in any amount of time they choose within
that 24 hours. Everyone is welcome, novice or experienced. If you
are interested and have not participated before, please contact
Bob Miller at 607-432-5767 to join or start a group. People who
have participated before will be contacted by their leaders;
leaders will receive materials prior to the count. The DOAS data
obtained are pooled with that of the Delhi Bird Club for a report
of results in The Belted Kingfisher. Wish for favorable weather and
southerly winds the night before. Bob Miller
Bluebird, by Dave Kiehm
6
Volume 44 Number 5
The Belted Kingfisher
May 2012
Upcoming Activities
May
May 20 – Schoharie Land Trust Bird Walk and Brunch:
8 AM, Paulson Preserve, Jefferson. For details contact Andy
Mason, (607) 652-2162 or AndyMason@earthling.net.
May 6 – Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway Field Trip.
Bird walk for returning birds along the Greenway starting
at 8 AM led by Charlie Scheim and Sandy Bright. An easy
hike on level ground, lasting about two hours. For directions:
OneontaGreenway.org or contact Charlie at (607) 434-4880
for more information.
May 23 – Delhi Bird Club Bird Walk at West Branch
Preserve, Hamden: Meet at 7:30 AM at the Delhi Price
Chopper. RSVP to leader Andy Mason, (607) 652-2162 or
AndyMason@earthling.net.
May 26 – Weaver Lake Field Trip: A canoe/kayak field trip
to Weaver Lake, Rt 20 about halfway between Richfield Springs
and Springfield Center. Meet at the lake at 7 AM. Rails, soras,
bitterns, moorhens, grebes and unusual ducks can be found at
this unusual wetland. Bring a boat and a life jacket. For more
information contact Bob Donnelly at rsdonn@yahoo.com.
May 12 – Onderdunk Road Field Trip: Meet at the Stewarts
store in Sharon Springs at 5 PM. On this trip to a wetland we
will look for bitterns, rails and snipe. There may be some easy
walking over wet ground. For more information contact Bob
Donnelly at rsdonn@yahoo.com.
May 13 – South Hill State Forest Field Trip: Meet at the Pine
Lake parking lot in Davenport at 8 AM. For more information
contact Eleanor Moriarty at (607) 435-2054.
June
June 10 – Mountaintop Arboretum (Tannersville) Field
Trip: Meet in Stamford at the Rite-Aid parking lot at 7:30 AM.
This will be an all day trip. A stop for lunch is planned. For
more information contact Eleanor Moriarty at (607) 435-2054.
May 15 – DOAS Board Meeting: 7 PM at the home of Bob
Donnelly, (607) 264-8156.
May 17 – Jean Miller Memorial Wildflower Walk at Gilbert
Lake State Park: 10 AM - noon. Meet at the beach area for an
easy walk. We will look for spring woodland wildflowers along
the trail around the lake. For more information, contact Barbara
Marsala at (607) 988-7805.
Nominations for Expiring DOAS Board Positions
At the May 18 DOAS program-meeting the nominations
committee will present their nominations for expiring
board member terms for the group present to vote on.
Nominations of others may be made from the floor. Terms
of service are two years. Our recommended slate is: present
board members Julia Gregory, Eric Knight, Andy Mason,
Bob Miller, Tom Salo, plus a new member Charlie Scheim,
who would be replacing Barbara Marsala who will be
moving away.
Bob Miller, Committee Chair
May 18 – DOAS Program: Nature and Songbirds of the
Adirondacks by Warren Greene (see details on page 6).
The program will begin at 7:30 PM at the Elm Park United
Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Refreshments
will be served. For more information contact Program
Chairman Eleanor Moriarty at (607) 435-2054.
May 19 – May Big Day Bird Count: See details on page 6.
www.facebook.com/DelawareOtsegoAudubonSociety
DOAS Membership Application
Membership in the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society includes 9 issues of our newsletter, The Belted Kingfisher.
Cost is $15 annually or $25 for two years. Please make your check payable to “DOAS” and mail payment with this
form to: DOAS Membership Chair, PO Box 544, Oneonta, NY 13820-0544.
Note: Please mail National Audubon renewals to address on renewal notice.
Name: ________________________________________ Phone: _ ______________________________
Address: _ _____________________________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________________
7
non-profit org
u.s. postage paid
permit #422
oneonta, ny 13820
Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Inc.
PO Box 544, Oneonta, NY 13820
www.doas.us
March–April
Bird Sightings
As I sit down to write this article I notice
my one lonely song sparrow scratching up
seed below my birdfeeder. It appears every
day anxiously waiting for a mate I think.
Breeding is in the air.
On the evening of 3/15 Angelika Rashkow
discovered a Great Blue Heron’s nest
while walking her dog along Burke Hill
Rd. in Hartwick. Two herons in the nest
obviously did not wish to be disturbed.
John Davis observed an Eastern Phoebe
in Cooperstown on 3/18. The next
day Germaine Connolly saw a Belted
Kingfisher going up and down Hayden
Creek in Springfield Center calling all the
while. On 3/20 six American Woodcocks
were displaying and calling in Delhi as
Tom and Sue Whitney eagerly watched.
Sue also noticed a Tree Swallow chattering
away around the covered bridge in
Hamden on 3/21. It seemed a bit lonely.
She and her husband also saw a pair of
Wood Ducks take off from their pond
in Delhi. The next day Tom Salo saw his
FOS Common Snipe displaying in W.
Burlington and Sandy Bright heard the
return service requested
familiar call of a Merlin near Wilbur
Park. On March 26th Barbara Brabetz
heard the unmistakable song, its
name, of a Rufous-sided Towhee
at SUNY Cobleskill and Tom Salo
observed a female American Kestrel in
need of a boyfriend in W. Burlington.
On 3/28 Andrew Cooper saw six
Northern Flickers on Cemetery Hill in
Oneonta. On the 30th Sandy Bright
heard the tinkling trills of a Winter
Wren singing in Wilbur Park.
April showered in additional sightings.
On the 1st Tom Salo saw a Northern
Harrier coursing low over fields in W.
Burlington. On her way to school on
4/2 Eileen Kline saw an adult Bald Eagle
perched in a tree along the Delaware
between Delhi and Bloomville. On her way
to work in Oneonta Sandy Bright listened
to the repeated refrain of a White-throated
Sparrow. On Mar. 5th Pam Peters had her
first Hermit Thrush in Treadwell and a
Carolina Wren was on Dorian Huneke’s
back porch pecking at the wooden handle
of a wire brush and her FOS Chipping
Sparrow was at her feeder in Treadwell.
Scattered among several Tree Swallows
Tom Salo caught sight of a lone Barn
Displaying Woocock, by Dave Kiehm
Swallow in W. Burlington on 4/8. On
4/12 he also saw a Blue-headed Vireo
after hearing its song and on the 15th he
saw a singing Field Sparrow. The next day
Eleanor Moriarity welcomed home her
Brown Thrasher to Davenport who has
been returning for the past four years.
Spring is alive!
If you have bird sightings to report,
contact me at dbenko@frontiernet.
net, at 6815 Co. Hwy 16, Delhi, NY 13753,
or at 607‑829-5218 for the next issue of
The Belted Kingfisher. Dianne Benko